Awards Honor Exceptional Work
(left to right) Cy Griffith, Cesar Almeida, Dan Loewenstein. Deb Gohr, Tom Judge, Diane Judge, Jennifer Slate, and Margaret Frisbie.
On Thursday, November 12, Friends of the Chicago River honored seven worthy recipients with the 2026 River Commitment Awards at our Member & Volunteer Celebration. Held at the Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the special event celebrated our shared accomplishments, built excitement for the year ahead, and recognized awardees for their exceptional efforts on behalf of our mission to protect and restore the river system for all people, water, and wildlife.
“Our River Commitment Award recipients demonstrate the many ways people can make a difference for the Chicago-Calumet River system,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Whether they are standing up for the river through advocacy, bringing people together to take action, advancing environmental education, or inspiring others to see the river’s potential, each recipient is helping move us toward a healthier, more vibrant river system for all.”
Volunteer of the Year Award: For her energy, passion, and commitment, the Volunteer of the Year Award honors Deb Gohr, a longtime canoe guide, canoe hauler, and steward of the Cook County Forest Preserves at Forest Glen Woods, in Chicago. Through her years of service, Deb has helped introduce people to the river, making paddling experiences possible while sharing her enthusiasm for the natural areas and wildlife that make the Chicago-Calumet River system so special. Her willingness to lend a hand, share her knowledge, and give her time exemplifies the generosity and dedication that make Friends’ volunteer community so valuable.
Spirit of the River Award: The Spirit of the River Award honors Cesar Almeida for his creativity and dedication to connecting marginalized youth with nature. Through his work with Faith in Place, Creative Capitol, and Solidarity Studios, Cesar brings together environmental justice, youth empowerment, music, and storytelling. His vision helped expand Friends’ education and engagement programming through Beats on the River, an innovative project blending art, science, music, and nature that culminated in a public showcase at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Cesar demonstrates how creativity can open new doors to environmental awareness and engagement.
River Champion Award: For her leadership and outstanding partnership with Friends for many years, the River Champion Award honors Jennifer Slate, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biology at Northeastern Illinois University. Through her work with students and her partnership with Friends in events like the Chicago-Calumet River Student Congress, Jennifer has helped create meaningful opportunities for young people to explore the river system, understand its ecological importance, and become advocates for its future. Her dedication to environmental education and hands-on learning helps develop the next generation of river stewards and demonstrates the power of connecting science, education, and community action.
River Champion Award: For his extraordinary leadership and longstanding advocacy on behalf of the Chicago-Calumet River system, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin received the River Champion Award. Senator Durbin has been an important ally in advancing water policy and securing resources to support clean water infrastructure restoration. He has championed stronger recreational water quality standards, worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address pollution in Bubbly Creek, and helped secure $1 million in federal funding for South Branch restoration. His continued leadership has helped turn the vision of a healthier, more accessible river into meaningful action.
River Resiliency Award: the River Resiliency Award celebrates the vital role our members and donors play in sustaining the mission of Friends. This year, the award recognizes Dan Loewenstein, and Tom and Diane Judge who are all members of Friends’ major donor circle, The Otter Society.
For 26 years, Dan Loewenstein has been a dedicated member of Friends demonstrating his support and enthusiasm in countless ways as a Flatwater Classic paddler, canoe guide, Otter Society member, and board member. His longtime commitment, generosity, and leadership have helped make the river’s extraordinary transformation possible and strengthened Friends’ ability to continue our work.
Tom and Diane Judge have been part of Friends for more than 40 years. For decades, Tom has served a canoe guide and together they have served as storytellers, sharing the river’s history and recovery; introducing others to the river firsthand; and dedicated event volunteers, always willing to lend a hand. As enthusiastic members of the Friends community and the Otter Society, they have demonstrated an enduring commitment to the long-term health of the Chicago-Calumet River system.
Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more about our many volunteer opportunities, please sign up for our monthly Chicago River Eco-Warrior volunteer e-newsletter, CREW, join the CREW group on Facebook, or reach out to schedule a River Action Day for your friends, family, or corporate team.
